Built in 1876, the Grade II listed Merthyr Synagogue has been empty and derelict for more than 20 years.
Now the building is getting ready to welcome visitors once more as a cultural, educational and community hub.
With our funding the Welsh Jewish Cultural Centre is restoring the synagogue’s historic interior including the balcony, the ark that would have held the Torah scrolls and the remaining Star of David windows.
Working together with the local community, an artist will create a new stained-glass window reflecting contemporary themes. The neighbouring Primrose Hill House is also being transformed to offer a learning space, offices and catering facilities.
Once complete, the centre will host a permanent exhibition on the history of Judaism in Wales and will engage more people in Welsh Jewish culture through:
- celebratory events centred around major Jewish festivals where people of diverse faiths and cultures can come together to share customs, food and music
- a digital hub which will improve access to archival resources and stories of Jewish life
- a young curator programme providing young people with training in interpretation and exhibition curation
David Bearman, Chair of Trustees at the Welsh Jewish Cultural Centre, said: "We are delighted to have received funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to save the historic synagogue in Merthyr Tydfil, the most important Jewish heritage site in Wales.
"National Lottery support will allow us to reopen the building to the public and establish a new Welsh Jewish Cultural Centre. The centre will host an exhibition that tells the stories of the contribution of Welsh Jewish communities to social and economic development in Wales and a diverse programme for learning, events and activities."
Discover more projects preserving the heritage of current and former places of worship across the UK.
